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Joel Ullom (Fed)
Dr. Joel Ullom leads the NIST Quantum Sensors Division. He is also a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Ullom has worked in the fields of low temperature sensors, quantum electronics, and cryogenic systems since 1994. During this time, he has done research to understand and improve the performance of superconducting transition-edge sensors. He has also worked to develop different types of refrigerators including microcoolers based on quantum tunneling and macrocoolers that reduce the need for liquid cryogens. Dr. Ullom has developed and disseminated a variety of instruments based on multiplexed arrays of cryogenic sensors.
Research Interests
- cryogenic sensors
- multiplexed readout techniques
- advanced cryogenics
- radiation detection
- applications of cryogenic sensors in materials analysis, astrophysics, cosmology, fundamental parameters, and quantum information science
Awards
- Joseph F. Keithley Award, 2023, from the American Physical Society “For the development of ultrasensitive multi-pixel transition-edge-sensor calorimeters and spectrometers for applications in astrophysics, nuclear security, materials analysis, and metrology”
- R&D100 Award, 2022, for “SOFIA: Spectrometer Optimized for Facility Integrated Applications”
- NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory award for Excellence in Cooperation, Collaboration, and Teamwork, 2022, “For development and deployment of a unique wide-band high-resolution microcalorimeter for precise x-ray spectroscopy of highly-charged ions”
- Department of Commerce Silver Medal, 2020, “For enabling rapid and accurate x-ray analysis of materials and higher nuclear security through sensor breakthroughs and world’s best reference data”
- Department of Commerce Gold Medal, 2017, “For advancing materials development by creating tabletop x-ray tools that rival or exceed those available only at massive national user facilities”
- NIST Bronze Medal, 2015, “For providing new capabilities to preeminent international research facilities through the dissemination of revolutionary x-ray spectrometer systems”
- Rocky Mountain Eagle Award for Scientific Achievement, 2013
- Department of Commerce Gold Medal, 2012, “For creating the world’s largest and most powerful submillimeter astronomical camera to probe the origins of planets, stars and galaxies”
- R. W. Boom Award from the Cryogenic Society of America, 2012
- Arthur S. Flemming Award, 2012
- NIST Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL) John Mayo-Wells Safety Award, 2009
- Department of Commerce Silver Medal, 2005, “For development of solid-state quantum nanorefrigerators that provide on-chip cooling to low-temperature devices”
- Presidential Early Career Award, 2004
- Lawrence Post-Doctoral Fellowship, 1999 - 2001
